A National Civil Society Organisation, Save Nigeria Movement (SNM), has expressed sympathy to the families of the 37 children who died in Minna, Niger state, while being in custody. The group, in a statement released in Abuja by its National Coordinator, Joseph Uyeh, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi Abubakar, for their swift responses to the tragic incident.
The SNM urged Nigerians and other stakeholders to allow the independent investigative process to run its course, noting that the findings of the committee would be critical to establishing the facts surrounding the incident and determining appropriate measures. The group praised President Tinubu for ordering a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, demonstrating the Federal Government's commitment to accountability and the protection of citizens' lives.
The organisation also commended the Minister of Interior for promptly constituting and inaugurating a 10-member independent investigative committee to examine the circumstances that led to the unfortunate tragedy. This move aims to avoid further occurrences and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The committee's investigation will help to shed light on the events leading to the deaths of the children.
The SNM praised the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Audi Abubakar, for the measures taken against officers allegedly involved in the incident. The reported suspension and arrest of the officers demonstrated the importance of institutional accountability while investigations into the incident continue. This move shows that the NSCDC is committed to taking responsibility for its actions.
The group appealed to political actors, civil society organisations, and other interest groups to refrain from politicising and using the tragedy to inflame political tensions or incite public unrest. They urged Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding as the investigation proceeds, ensuring that the process remains transparent and that any individual found culpable is held accountable.
The SNM called for calm, patience, and respect for due process, while urging all relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served. The group stated that "justice will definitely be served," as the investigation continues. The organisation's statement reflects the need for a thorough and transparent investigation into the tragic incident.
The Minna custody saga has raised concerns about the treatment of suspects in custody and the need for accountability within law enforcement agencies. The incident has sparked a national conversation about the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law. The SNM's statement is a call to action for Nigerians to remain calm and allow the investigative process to run its course.
Key points
- President Tinubu has ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 children.
- The Minister of Interior has constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee to examine the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
- The NSCDC has suspended and arrested officers allegedly involved in the incident, demonstrating institutional accountability.
